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Map of Tourist Attractions in Kazakhstan
Before we dive into the list of top sights, here is a visual guide: the Kazakhstan Attractions Map.
We have clearly plotted the highlights for you. You will notice immediately that most major sights cluster around two hubs: Almaty (in the Southeast) and Astana (covering the Central and Northern regions).
Kazakhstan Map 2026: Map of Kazakhstan Country, Cities, Tourist (Free View)
Best Places to Visit in Almaty Region (South East): Most Visited Area
If you are first timer in Kazakhstan, this is where you should be. The Almaty region is the country's tourism hub, packing 80% of the top sights—from canyons to glaciers—into a drivable radius.
1. Almaty - Soviet Architecture Meets Modern Nightlife
Kazakhstan's largest city (population 2 million) and former capital until 1997.
Walk down one street, and with its leafy boulevards and chic coffee culture, you'll swear you're in Europe. Turn the corner to the chaotic, spice-scented Green Bazaar, and you are undeniably in the heart of the Silk Road.
Start your day at the Zenkov Cathedral, a candy-colored Orthodox church built entirely of wood (without a single nail!) that miraculously survived the 1911 earthquake.
Kok-Tobe Hill offers panoramic city views via a Soviet-era cable car ($3 round trip). At the top, you'll find a small amusement park, cafes, and a Beatles monument (because why not?). Go at sunset when the city lights start twinkling and the mountains turn pink.
By night, Almaty transforms. The city has a booming techno and speakeasy scene that rivals Berlin. Head to Gogol Street or the Golden Square to find hidden bars behind unmarked doors.
12 Best Things to Do in Almaty & Top Attractions: The 2026 City-to-Mountain List
2. Big Almaty Lake - So Turquoise It Looks Fake (It's Not)
Imagine Lake Louise in Canada or Moraine Lake, but without the thousands of tourists fighting for a selfie spot. Big Almaty Lake offers that same surreal, milky turquoise water, and it's located just 15km from the city center.
Sitting at 2,500 meters above sea level, this alpine reservoir changes color from deep emerald to bright turquoise depending on the time of day and the melting glaciers.
here's a viewpoint on the northern shore where everyone stops for photos, plus a walking path that circles partway around the lake (about 2km). You cannot swim in Big Almaty Lake - it's Almaty's drinking water reservoir, and guards will stop you if you try.
3. Charyn Canyon - Like the Grand Canyon, But Without the Crowds
If you think you need to go to Arizona to see red rock giants, think again. Charyn Canyon is a 12-million-year-old geological miracle that rivals the American West, but with one massive difference: you can have it almost entirely to yourself.
The main section, known as the "Valley of Castles", features towering reddish-orange sandstone formations that look uncannily like ancient fortress towers.
Unlike the Grand Canyon, where you mostly stare from the rim, Charyn invites you in. You can easily hike the 2-kilometer path along the canyon floor, touching the ancient walls.
How to Get from Almaty to Charyn Canyon? (5 Options for 2026)
4. Kolsai Lakes - Three Lakes, One Epic Hike (Choose Your Difficulty)
Kolsai offers the best multi-day hiking in the Almaty Region. Each lake has a different character, and you can customize your trip based on fitness level - visit just the first lake for an easy day trip, or tackle all three for a challenging overnight trek.
- Kolsai Lake 1 (Lower Lake) sits at 1,818m and is accessible via a 1km easy walk from the parking area. The lake is surrounded by Tian Shan fir trees.
- Kolsai Lake 2 (Middle Lake) is the most scenic of the three. To reach it, hike 10km uphill from Lake 1 through alpine meadows and forests (4-5 hours one way, 800m elevation gain).
- Kolsai Lake 3 (Upper Lake) at 2,850m is for serious hikers only. It's another 6km and 600m elevation gain beyond Lake 2 (3-4 hours).
Charyn Canyon to Kolsai Lake Distance & Route: Plan 1 or 2 Days?
5. Kaindy Lake - The Underwater Forest That Shouldn't Exist
Kaindy is genuinely one of the world's strangest natural phenomena. The combination of crystal-clear turquoise water and the ghostly submerged forest creates a scene that looks Photoshopped even in person.
Underwater, the trees are perfectly preserved in the cold water (4-6°C year-round), with branches and needles intact.
The lake is the entire attraction - it's small enough to walk around in 20 minutes. Most visitors spend 1-2 hours here taking photos from different angles. The viewing platform on the eastern shore offers the classic shot of the tree trunks reflected in the still water.
6. Altyn Emel National Park - The Singing Dunes & Colorful Mountains
Have you ever heard sand scream? At the Singing Dune in Altyn Emel, the sand emits a deep, organ-like hum (up to 105 decibels!) when you slide down it. It's one of the few places on Earth where you can "hear" the landscape.
Besides the dunes, it is home to the Aktau Mountains—a range of volcanic hills layered in white, red, and orange chalk that contain dinosaur fossils.
Climbing the 150-meter dune is harder than it looks (two steps up, one step back), but the view from the top—endless steppe on one side, purple mountains on the other—is worth every gasp of breath.
Top Tourist Spots in Northern & Central Kazakhstan
While the south (Almaty) is about history and relaxed vibes, the north is where Kazakhstan shows off its ambition and its raw, untamed climate. It is a land of extremes.
7. Astana (Nur-Sultan) - The Capital That Looks Like a Sci-Fi Movie Set
If Almaty is the soulful older sister, Astana is the flashy, rebellious teenager. Built almost from scratch in the middle of the empty steppe, this city is often called the "Dubai of the North" or a "Space Station on Earth."
It holds the title of the second coldest capital city in the world (after Ulaanbaatar), but don't let that freeze your interest—the architecture here is some of the weirdest and most fascinating on the planet.
In 1997, the government moved the capital here and gave world-famous architects (like Norman Foster) a blank check. The result? A skyline filled with golden pyramids, blue wavy skyscrapers, and flying saucers.
Baiterek Tower: The symbol of the city. It looks like a giant golden egg resting in a tree branches, representing a Kazakh legend of the bird of happiness.
Khan Shatyr: This is the world's largest tent. It's a transparent, neo-futurist structure that houses a shopping mall and—unbelievably—a tropical beach resort with sand imported from the Maldives on the top floor.
8. Burabay National Park - The "Switzerland of Kazakhstan”
Driving north from Astana, the landscape is endlessly flat... until suddenly, it isn't. Out of nowhere, jagged rock peaks, thick pine forests, and crystal-clear lakes explode from the flat steppe.
Locally known as Borovoe, this is the favorite playground for locals escaping the capital. It is steeped in legends; almost every rock formation has a tragic or heroic backstory involving khans and warriors.
- Okzhetpes (The Rock): The most famous landmark. It rises from the water like a sphinx.
- Blue Bay: Rent a boat or a catamaran to explore the lake. The air here is famous for being incredibly clean and pine-scented—it was historically used as a sanatorium retreat.
- Hiking: Unlike the rugged peaks of Almaty which require gear, the trails here are gentle and family-friendly.
Must-See Places in Southern & Western Kazakhstan
If Almaty is the heart and Astana is the brain, then the South is the soul of Kazakhstan. This region is where the ancient Silk Road comes alive, the food gets spicier, and the hospitality gets warmer.
9. Turkistan - Central Asia's Forgotten Pilgrimage City
For years, travelers skipped Kazakhstan for Uzbekistan to see the famous blue-tiled mosques.
Turkistan features the same breathtaking Timurid architecture—massive turquoise domes and intricate mosaic archways—but with zero crowds. It is often called the "Second Mecca" of the East.
The crown jewel here is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Built by the legendary conqueror Tamerlane (Timur) in the 14th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an unfinished masterpiece.
You can literally see the wooden scaffolding left behind when construction stopped in 1405.
10. Baikonur Cosmodrome - Watch an Actual Rocket Launch (Legally)
This is arguably the most exclusive travel experience on Earth. This is where Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space. This is where Sputnik launched.
And today, it is one of the few places left where you can stand on the steppe and feel your chest vibrate as a Soyuz rocket blasts off to the International Space Station.
Here is the weird part: Baikonur is technically in Kazakhstan, but the Cosmodrome is leased to Russia until 2050. It operates like a Russian enclave—you use Rubles here, and you need special Russian security clearance to enter.
11. Shymkent - The City Foreigners Always Skip (Mistake)
Most guidebooks treat Shymkent as a mere transit stop between Almaty and Turkistan. Ignore them. Shymkent is the gastronomic capital of Kazakhstan.
While Almaty tries to be European, Shymkent is unapologetically Central Asian—chaotic, loud, cheap, and delicious.
You haven't tasted a kebab until you've eaten Shymkent Shashlik. It is famous nationwide for being tender, huge, and incredibly cheap ($1-2 per skewer).
The newly restored Old City citadel offers a panoramic view of the bazaar and the sprawling city. It's best visited at sunset.
4 Unique Things to Do in Kazakhstan (Culture & Experiences)
The culture here is born from the harsh steppe and a nomadic history that stretches back millennia. Here are four things you simply cannot do anywhere else.
12. Eagle Hunting - Watch a Golden Eagle Hunt
In Kazakhstan, hunting with Golden Eagles (Berkutchi) is not a circus trick; it is a 4,000-year-old lethal partnership between man and bird. These raptors are massive—with a 2-meter wingspan—and are trained to take down foxes and even wolves.
Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, this tradition is the soul of Kazakh identity. The bond is primal: a hunter captures a young eagle, trains it for 10 years, and then releases it back into the wild to breed.
Visit the Sunkar Falconry Center in Almaty (just below the mountains). They have a daily show at 5:00 PM where you can see the eagles up close. For the real deal, visit during the Golden Eagle Festival (usually in October).
13. Sleep in a Yurt - Nomadic Life
Long before "glamping" became a hipster trend, Kazakh nomads perfected the art of mobile luxury. A Yurt (Kiiz Ui) is an architectural marvel—a circular felt home built without a single nail that keeps you cool in scorching summers and warm in freezing winters.
Staying in a yurt on the high pasture (Jailoo) is about silence. You step out at night, and with zero light pollution, the Milky Way looks like it's crashing down on you. Inside, you sleep on colorful felt mats (tekemet) and eat at a low round table.
Saty Village (near Kolsai Lakes) or the Assy Plateau (for a more rugged experience). Modern tourist yurts often have heaters and electricity, but be prepared for outdoor toilets. It's part of the charm.
14. Taste Beshbarmak and Kumis - Things to Eat & Drink
Beshbarmak: The national dish. The name translates to "Five Fingers" because it was traditionally eaten with hands. It's a massive platter of boiled meat (horse/lamb) and thin pasta sheets in a savory onion broth.
Kumis: Fermented mare's milk. It's slightly fizzy, sour, and mildly alcoholic. Locals call it the "elixir of health."
Yes, horse meat is a staple here. To the nomads, the horse is a respected companion, transport, and ultimately, sustenance. Refusing to try it is like going to Italy and refusing pasta.
For beginners, try the Navat restaurant chain (in Almaty/Astana)—they serve a sanitized, delicious version. For the brave, buy Kumis fresh from roadside sellers in the mountains.
15. Ski at Shymbulak - World-Class Slopes on a Budget
Shymbulak is a legitimate world-class destination where Prince Harry has skied. Skiing on slopes that are approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS), staying in a resort that looks like the Swiss Alps, but paying 1/4 of the price.
Shymbulak located just a 25-minute drive from downtown Almaty, it holds the record for the highest night skiing in the world (at 3,200 meters). The "Talgar Pass" offers 20km of slopes ranging from gentle greens to terrifying black runs.
Best time to go to Shymbulak is mid-November to April.
Suggested Kazakhstan Itineraries (For First-Timers)
How do you stitch all these sights and experiences together into a real trip?
Let us share the simple logic behind planning a route here. You will quickly notice that most of the country's highlights cluster around just two major hubs: Almaty and Astana. Because of this, planning an itinerary is actually much simpler than you might think.
5-6 Days in Kazakhstan (Almaty Highlights)
If you only have 5–6 days, our advice is strict: focus solely on Almaty and its surroundings. Spend your first 1–2 days soaking up the city vibes at the Ascension Cathedral, the Green Bazaar, and Kok Tobe Hill.
We recommend a classic 6-day loop that covers these city highlights before heading out for falconry demonstrations, the Medeu skating rink, Charyn Canyon, and the stunning lakes of Kaindy and Kolsai.
Day 1: Almaty Arrival
Day 2: Almaty City Tour - Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, Central Mosque, Green Bazaar, 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park (Ascension Cathedral, Museum of Folk Musical Instruments/Closed on Mondays), Kok-Tobe Hill (Cable Car)
Day 3: Almaty - Medeo Gorge - Almaty - Shymbulak Peak (Medeo Cable Car), Sunkar Falcon Farm (Trained Hawk), President Park of 1st President
Day 4: Almaty - Saty Village - Charyn Canyon National Park (Valley of Castles)
Day 5: Saty village - Almaty - Kolsay Lakes National Park (Kaindy Lake & Lower Kolsai Lake)
Day 6: Almaty Departure
Kazakhstan Itinerary 5 Days: Our Latest Trip Review (Nov 2025)
7-10 Days Kazakhstan Itinerary (City & Nature)
If you have a full week or more, you should definitely add the capital to your list.
7 Days: Add 1–2 days in Astana to witness the future-forward architecture of the "Dubai of Central Asia.
10 Days+: With ten days or more, you have the luxury of time. You can comfortably cover Astana, fully explore Almaty, and venture out to the "Singing Dunes" of Altyn Emel National Park.
Kazakhstan 7-Day Itinerary: 3 Routes (Classic, Nature & Culture) + Cost
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan (Month-by-Month)
May, June & September, October (The "Best Time") If you can, come during these months. In May, the steppes are lush green and the wild poppies and tulips are blooming.
September and October are equally beautiful, with crisp air and the famous Almaty apples (Aport) in season. The temperature is a comfortable 20°C-25°C, perfect for both hiking and city walking.
July & August (High Season): his is when everything is accessible. The downside? Almaty city turns into an oven (often hitting 35°C+). My advice: get out of the city and stay in the mountains during the day.
Winter (November to March): Only come now if you love snow sports. Shymbulak offers world-class skiing for a fraction of European prices.
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan 2026: Snow, Hiking & When to Avoid
Kazakhstan Visa Requirements (2026 Update)
As of 2026, Kazakhstan is incredibly open. Citizens from over 80 countries—including the US, UK, EU, China, and India—can enter visa-free. You get up to 30 days (14 days for Indian citizens) just by showing your passport at the border.
If you plan to stay longer or if your country isn't on the list, the E-Visa system is straightforward.
How to Get Around Kazakhstan (Trains, Flights, Shared Taxis)
The "Uber" of Central Asia. Download the Yandex Go app before you land. Seriously. It works exactly like Uber, giving you fixed prices and letting you pay with a linked credit card. It works in all major cities.
Trains. For inter-city travel, you have two very different choices. The Talgo trains are modern, fast Spanish-built trains that are perfect for the overnight hop between Almaty and Shymkent. Then there are the older Soviet-style trains.
They are slower and hotter, but they are also a social experience where locals will inevitably share their food and tea with you.
Flying is your go-to for city-hopping. It is essential if you need to cross the country from East to West, or if you are planning to connect to the other 'Stans,' such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
How to Get from Astana to Almaty? (Train, Flight & Bus)
FAQs About Traveling to Kazakhstan
Is Kazakhstan Safe for Tourists?
Yes, and often surprisingly so. In the cities, the biggest danger you'll likely face is not looking where you're walking—open drainage holes on sidewalks can be a hazard! Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.
How Do I Pay for Things?
Kazakhstan has leapfrogged into the digital age. In Almaty and Astana, you can pay for almost anything—from a fancy dinner to a bus ticket—using Apple Pay or Google Pay.
However, the moment you leave the city limits (like heading to Charyn Canyon), cash is king. Always carry some Tenge notes for roadside snacks and toilets.
Is It Expensive to Visit?
Your wallet is going to love it here. Kazakhstan offers incredible value for Western travelers. A hearty meal at a mid-range restaurant costs about $5–$15 USD.
You can stay in 5-star hotels or go skiing at a world-class resort like Shymbulak for about 1/4 of the price you'd pay in the Alps or Aspen.
Can I Survive As A Vegetarian or Vegan?
This is a country where horse meat and lamb are cultural staples. In Cities (Almaty/Astana) you will be fine. Hipster cafes offer avocado toast, vegan bowls, and oat milk lattes.
In the Wild (Yurts/Villages) it gets tough. Traditional dishes like Plov (rice) and Beshbarmak (noodles) are cooked with meat fat.
Stock up on nuts and fruits at the Green Bazaar before you leave the city. Learn the phrase "Bez mya-sa" (Without meat). Order Shakarap (tomato and onion salad) or plain bread (Lepeshka), which is delicious and always vegan.
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